HOMA BAY, Kenya — In a dramatic reversal, self-proclaimed ‘Goon Z’ leader Swaleh Sonko has issued an almost tearful public apology to Kenya’s Gen Z and has since retreated into a self-imposed exile at his rural home in Homa Bay.
This development comes just days after his viral TikTok Live confession where he admitted to orchestrating the deployment of hired goons to infiltrate and disrupt peaceful anti-government protests.
In a video that has since circulated widely, Swaleh appeared walking solemnly through his homestead, addressing the youth directly in a reflective tone, pleading for understanding and acknowledging his past missteps.
With evident humility, he knelt and removed his cap as he spoke, stating, “Najua mimi si youth lakini mimi ni kijana… sitaki chuki na vijana,” conveying that while he may not technically belong to Gen Z, he considers himself aligned with their struggles.
He further implored for forgiveness, adding, “Kama kuna mtu nili mkosea, naomba msamaha. Mimi ni content creator tu kama nyinyi.” Looking ahead, he also pledged his solidarity with the youth for the upcoming June 25th demonstrations, declaring, “Inshallah, tutashirikiana na nyinyi.”
This apology follows an explosive TikTok Live session where Sonko had sensationally confessed to mobilising 200 men for the June 12th protests. He clarified that contrary to widespread speculation of a KSh 500 payment, each individual received KSh 2,000.
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Justifying his actions, he admitted, “Vijana walikuwa njaa… mtu wangu, utakosa?” acknowledging he leveraged his influence given the youth’s economic desperation.
What particularly shocked many was his blunt and controversial comment that those who died during the protests would be buried by their families, who would then receive compensation. He added chillingly, “Lazima wengine wakufee ndio wengine waendelee.”
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The backlash against Sonko has been swift and widespread, with many Kenyans, especially from the Gen Z demographic, expressing deep skepticism regarding his true intentions.
These recent events unfold against the backdrop of significant disruption to demonstrations in Nairobi, where rungu-wielding individuals infiltrated protests following the death of Albert Ojwang at the Central Police Station in Nairobi.
Ojwang’ had reportedly been arrested in Homa Bay after a complaint by the Deputy Inspector General of Kenya Police Service, Eliud Lagat, who claimed his name had been tarnished.
